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Alinor's messenger missed Ian by one day. The news he carried was happy and not urgent, so he stayed the night where he was and turned south again to follow his lord's track the next morning. In the afternoon, a terrific thunderstorm delayed him for several hours. He rode more quickly after that, fearing lest his lord arrive ahead of him at Monmouth. That would not please his lady in the least. It was near morning when he came to Caergwrle, but he waited only until his horse was rested and rode on again. He was still, they told him, a full day behind Lord Ian. He had asked anxiously whether his lord had turned east, and had been answered that Lord Ian had taken the road that ran south. If he turned east after that, they would not know, of course. |
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The messenger made the best time he could to Powys, and arrived some time before the sun set. The day had been hot, and neither he nor the horse could go further. He was very glad to hear that his lord had left only that morning, and had said definitely that he would stop at Clyro Hill. In the cool of the early evening, the messenger set out again. The moon was near full, and there would be light enough. He should come to Clyro Keep well before dawn and be able to deliver the letter he carried as soon as his lord woke. |
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That plan, all but the very last part, was fulfilled without difficulty. The track was easy enough to follow, and he had no other trouble until he came to the tight-shut castle. Energetic pounding upon the small postern gate brought a night guard. The first hint that all was not well came when the guard would not speak to him. He said |
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